Thornton is out again after breaking arm

Robert Thornton faces another spell on the sidelines after breaking his arm at HerefordAlan Crowhurst

Robert Thornton faces another frustrating spell on the sidelines after breaking his upper right arm in a fall at Hereford yesterday.

The jockey, who had been enjoying a revival in his fortunes this season after spending more than seven months out of action with a knee injury, was hurt when Western Whisky came down at the eighth fence of the staying handicap chase, bringing down Maraafeq in the process. Harry Challoner, the rider of Maraafeq, escaped unscathed, as did both horses involved.

Thornton was not the only jockey hurt over the weekend, with Jeremiah McGrath being detained in hospital overnight after a heavy tumble at Cheltenham on Saturday. McGrath, who should have been celebrating his 21st birthday, was discharged after X-rays revealed no fractures.